Road Infrastructure / Kataka Durga Puja Prep Begins, Civic Woes Cloud Festivity

Kataka, Sep 26: With Durga Puja just weeks away, the millennium city has begun preparations for its grand festival. From peace committees to administrative bodies, efforts are underway to ensure a smooth and vibrant celebration.

A coordination meeting was recently held at the District Culture Office under the supervision of Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde. The administration emphasized maintaining peace and order during the festivities.

However, Puja committee members voiced strong dissatisfaction over the poor condition of city roads and dysfunctional streetlights.

Also read: Widespread Rainfall Causes Significant Damage Across Odisha

Large potholes across major routes, including the Link Road, Madhupatna chhaka, and Badambadi, have made commuting hazardous. Rainwater accumulation has worsened the situation, leaving two-wheelers and four-wheelers vulnerable to accidents.

Despite earlier assurances that roads would be repaired before Ganesh Puja, neither repairs nor maintenance have been carried out, sparking frustration among committee officials.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the district administration has created WhatsApp groups to directly address Puja committees’ concerns. Collector Shinde clarified that heavy rainfall delayed roadwork but assured that repairs would begin from October 4 and finish before the Puja.

Meanwhile, the administration has announced live telecast arrangements for the immersion (Bhasani) ceremony, allowing devotees to witness the grand finale virtually.

As the countdown begins, citizens hope the promised civic improvements will be delivered in time, ensuring that Kataka’s Durga Puja retains its reputation as one of Odisha’s most spectacular festivals.